Few franchises are as confusingly robust and surprisingly tenured as the Fast and Furious series. From its humble street racing beginnings in 2001's The Fast and the Furious to rumors that the upcoming efficiently-titled film F9 might have scenes actually set in space, it's becoming increasingly difficult to think up a concept too absurd for these films to expertly and endearingly pull off. But a recent press conference with stars of F9 decided to tone it down and focus on some topics a little closer to home.
The conference featured Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, and newcomer John Cena as well as director Justin Lin, as they spoke about their history with the franchise and how that all came together for this latest installment. Diesel called the experience "bittersweet" knowing that the series now has an end in sight following two more films after F9 and reminisced about the family aspect of the Fast and Furious series, saying "the family that you see on screen has become my family off screen." Lin also addressed his motivation to simply top what they've done previously with each sequel, and how he and the team intend to keep that going in what will be his 5th time directing a film in the adrenaline-filled franchise.
Then the focus shifted to Rodriguez, who went into detail about how fulfilling it feels to shine more of a spotlight on the women of the series with F9. "My heart warmed when I saw that there was actually not one single bit of resistance against the idea of bringing the females of the franchise into the forefront," she said. "Justin was super on board with it. Vin was super on board with it." She went on to praise the production for bringing in a writer to touch up the roles for the women in the ninth Fast and Furious film, supposedly giving them more agency as female characters and less time just standing around as set dressing, as many films have often done.
As with many action films of yesteryear (and unfortunately still today for some), much of the Fast and Furious franchise focused primarily on its male characters while relegating the women to supporting roles, at best, and treating them as "motivation" for their male counterparts at among the worst moments. Rodriguez's relief at the effort being put in to reverse those tropes is likely shared by many women who enjoy these films but wish to see more positive representation.
On a lighter note, this feels more like it's following a bit of a recent trend than setting a new precedent. Films like The Old Guard and Birds of Prey have demonstrated an encouraging rise in not only high-profile female-led films but successful movies directed by women as well. Representation truly does matter, and the more moviegoers who are able to see people like them in the media they enjoy, the more these stories will be able to increase their audiences and connect those who share that interest.
Sure, it might sound sappy, but it's important. Representation for women, trans people, nonbinary folks, people of color, and the LGBTQ+ community as a whole will always be a worthy goal to shoot for, and while F9 might not be shattering any ceilings, they're certainly taking some big steps in the right direction.
F9 is scheduled to be released in theaters on June 25, 2021.
Source: Collider